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When Brian Forti visualized himself sitting in a theater surrounded by performers while meditating on a mountain in Sedona, he had no idea the universe was preparing him for the next chapter of his remarkable career. Two weeks later, a phone call led him to the Faena Hotel in Miami Beach, where he's spent the last decade designing immersive theatrical experiences that blend luxury, artistry, and innovation.

This journey from television producer to theatrical visionary didn't happen overnight. Brian's story begins with founding 40 Lane Entertainment in 1986, riding the wave of MTV's explosion and Miami's emergence as a creative hub. His collaborations with Gloria and Emilio Estefan opened doors to working with global superstars like Paul McCartney, Shakira, and Prince. Six Emmy Awards later, Brian had established himself as a creative force in the entertainment world.

What makes Brian's perspective so valuable is his understanding that everything in entertainment is fundamentally about design. "It goes from what are we going to do? Designing where you're going to shoot it, how you're going to shoot it, what they're going to wear, how you're going to film it, the lighting, everything—it's all design," he explains. This design-centric approach now informs his work at the intimate 160-seat Faena Theater, where audience members experience performances from just feet away, with dancers emerging from all directions in a space where every detail—from costumes to lighting—must reflect the luxury and artistic excellence of the Faena brand.

The conversation delves into the creative process behind shows like "Carmen" and "Retro," exploring how Brian and his team transform classic stories and musical eras into contemporary, sensory experiences. Unlike television, where creators must wait weeks or months for audience reaction, live theater provides immediate feedback, allowing constant refinement and evolution of the design.

Whether you're a designer, creator, or someone seeking inspiration to reimagine your own path, Brian's journey demonstrates the power of vision and the courage to reinvent oneself. As he puts it: "I learned that we can design our lives in any way... You can create anything you want. You have to feel it in your heart, you have to believe it and feel it. If you can do that, anything, anything is possible."

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Ever wondered why smartphone corners are rounded or why keyboard letters aren't arranged alphabetically? The world around you has been meticulously designed with purpose, function, and ingenuity—you just might not have noticed it until now.

From the humble pen cap with its life-saving air hole to the strategic placement of the "57" on Heinz ketchup bottles, everyday objects contain hidden design elements that make our lives easier, safer, and more efficient. We dive into these overlooked innovations, revealing how thoughtful engineering shapes our daily experiences without our conscious awareness. Did you know stop signs were originally yellow because weather-resistant red paint didn't exist until the 1950s? Or that toilet paper perforations not only help you tear sheets but also prevent the roll from unspooling too quickly?

Beyond physical objects, we explore what we call "invisible design"—the systems, strategies, and methodologies that organize our lives. This includes everything from meeting structures to conversation approaches to the innovative underground garbage collection systems in the Netherlands. As Steve Jobs understood, great design isn't just about how something looks—it's about how seamlessly it works.

The next time you pick up scissors, use a coffee cup that fits perfectly in your car's cupholder, or type on your computer keyboard, take a moment to appreciate the countless iterations and refinements that created these seemingly simple objects. We'd love to hear your examples of hidden design elements you've noticed! Share them with us through Instagram or directly through this podcast as we continue our journey exploring how design thinking shapes our world in visible and invisible ways.

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Craftsmanship lies at the heart of luxury furniture, and few companies embody this principle more completely than Century Furniture. During our conversation with Guy Holbrook, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing, we discover what makes this iconic American manufacturer special after nearly eight decades in business.

"We're makers, we make furniture," Guy explains, distinguishing Century from companies that merely design and source their products elsewhere. With four producing factories in North Carolina, Century offers customization capabilities that imported furniture simply can't match – not just fabric selections, but changes to arms, depths, cushions, dimensions, and more. Their cornerstone upholstery program alone offers a staggering 7 million permutations of a single piece.

Guy shares his fascinating journey into the furniture industry, which began during graduate school with a part-time job at a local furniture store. Despite originally planning a career in finance, he found himself drawn to the creativity, craftsmanship, and relationships that define the furniture world. "People get so excited about furniture," he notes. "Think about your favorite chair or sofa, or your best meal at home or Christmas – all those things happen to happen on furniture."

We explore Century's collaborations with renowned designers like Thomas O'Brien, Tara Shaw, and Carrier & Company, and how these partnerships enhance their offerings. The company's commitment to sustainability and responsible manufacturing practices reflects their "do the right thing" philosophy, though Guy acknowledges they could better highlight these efforts in their marketing.

As Guy discusses the evolution of furniture retail and the growing importance of the design trade, he offers a perfect analogy for interior designers: they are the "Sherpas" who guide clients through the complex journey of furnishing a home. "It's just another hike for them and a lifetime event for me," he explains, capturing why professional guidance matters when making significant furniture investments.

Subscribe to iDesign Lab for more conversations that explore the intersection of creativity, craftsmanship, and commerce in the world of interior design.

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We explore why the interior design industry will be enhanced by AI rather than replaced by it, highlighting the creative and relationship-driven aspects that technology cannot replicate. The discussion emphasizes how design professionals deliver value through their unique vision, hands-on approach, and ability to translate client needs into beautiful, functional spaces.

• Interior design is one industry that won't be hit negatively by AI but will only be enhanced by it
• Design requires intellectual property that is both creative and hands-on, which AI cannot replicate
• AI can't read existing designs, understand client vision, or manage on-site changes
• The industry is built on relationships that AI cannot form with clients
• Interior design firms add value and save clients money through professional expertise
• From kitchen design to skilled trades like wallpaper hanging, implementation requires human touch
• AI will help with communication and efficiency but can't replace the core design work
• The design industry offers untapped opportunities for entrepreneurs and those interested in creative fields
• Working in design surrounds you with talented people, beautiful things, and innovation

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The podcast episode features Keith Eichenblatt, a renowned lighting designer with nearly five decades of experience, who shares insights into his vibrant career and the evolution of design. He discusses the impact of the internet on the industry, the importance of personal branding for reps, and the value of building relationships with designers and manufacturers.

• Keith's upbringing in a family lighting business
• Transition from retail to representation
• Influence of the internet on product distribution
• Importance of trade shows in the design industry
• Challenges smaller brands face in a competitive market
• Significance of personal branding for industry professionals
• Inspiring stories behind the brands Keith represents
• Vision for the future of the design industry

To learn more about iDesign Lab or TW Interiors, please visit twinteriors.com.

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Life is a series of design decisions, shaping everything from our outfits to our daily schedules. The podcast explores how every aspect of life is a conscious choice, urging listeners to engage in intentional living and recognize the designer in themselves.
• The concept of design in everyday choices
• Transformation from a focused design podcast to broader life design discussions
• The importance of morning routines in shaping daily experiences
• How food presentation reflects design principles
• The connection between design, philosophy, and faith
• Design parallels in politics and leadership
• Upcoming diverse guest stories to inspire and educate

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The episode centers on Ali Kaufman, an innovator in the field of education, who discusses her transformative school, Space of Mind. We explore how personalized learning experiences can nurture creativity, reduce stress, and foster a love of knowledge, ultimately setting students up for life success.

• Introduction to Ali Kaufman and Space of Mind
• Overview of Ali's educational philosophy and experiences
• Discussion on creating a personalized curriculum for diverse learning styles
• Examination of the emotional impacts of traditional education
• Introduction to the Community Classroom Project and its goals
• Vision for the future of education and plans for expansion
• Closing thoughts on the importance of individualized learning experiences

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This episode explores the journey of curating a personal aesthetic in home design, emphasizing the importance of self-expression over trends. Listeners learn how to navigate their design journey with purpose, ensuring their spaces evolve with their lives while telling their unique stories.

• Curating an aesthetic reflects your unique personality
• The role of interior designers in shaping personal spaces
• Balancing traditional and modern elements in design
• A focus on timelessness versus fleeting trends
• Personal stories shape the aesthetic journey
• Understanding the importance of evolving design choices
• Making conscious decisions about design that resonate long-term

For more information: https://twinteriors.com/

Learn more at:
https://twinteriors.com/podcast/

https://scottwoolley.com